To the Church in Smyrna

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna(A) write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last,(B) who died and came to life again.(C) I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!(D) I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not,(E) but are a synagogue of Satan.(F) 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you,(G) and you will suffer persecution for ten days.(H) Be faithful,(I) even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.(J)

11 Whoever has ears, let them hear(K) what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.(L)

To the Church in Pergamum

12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum(M) write:

These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.(N) 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me,(O) not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness,(P) who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.(Q)

14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you:(R) There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam,(S) who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols(T) and committed sexual immorality.(U) 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.(V) 16 Repent(W) therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.(X)

17 Whoever has ears, let them hear(Y) what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious,(Z) I will give some of the hidden manna.(AA) I will also give that person a white stone with a new name(AB) written on it, known only to the one who receives it.(AC)

To the Church in Thyatira

18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira(AD) write:

These are the words of the Son of God,(AE) whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.(AF) 19 I know your deeds,(AG) your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel,(AH) who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.(AI) 21 I have given her time(AJ) to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.(AK) 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery(AL) with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds,(AM) and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.(AN)

24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you,(AO) 25 except to hold on to what you have(AP) until I come.’(AQ)

26 To the one who is victorious(AR) and does my will to the end,(AS) I will give authority over the nations(AT) 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter(AU) and will dash them to pieces like pottery’[a](AV)—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star.(AW) 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear(AX) what the Spirit says to the churches.

To the Church in Sardis

“To the angel[b] of the church in Sardis(AY) write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[c](AZ) of God and the seven stars.(BA) I know your deeds;(BB) you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.(BC) Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.(BD) But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief,(BE) and you will not know at what time(BF) I will come to you.

Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes.(BG) They will walk with me, dressed in white,(BH) for they are worthy. The one who is victorious(BI) will, like them, be dressed in white.(BJ) I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life,(BK) but will acknowledge that name before my Father(BL) and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear(BM) what the Spirit says to the churches.

Footnotes

  1. Revelation 2:27 Psalm 2:9
  2. Revelation 3:1 Or messenger; also in verses 7 and 14
  3. Revelation 3:1 That is, the sevenfold Spirit

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

28 And I will give him the morning star.

29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The Persecuted Church

“And to the [a]angel of the church in Smyrna write,

‘These things says (A)the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are (B)rich); and I know the blasphemy of (C)those who say they are Jews and are not, (D)but are a [b]synagogue of Satan. 10 (E)Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. (F)Be faithful until death, and I will give you (G)the crown of life.

11 (H)“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by (I)the second death.” ’

The Compromising Church

12 “And to the [c]angel of the church in Pergamos write,

‘These things says (J)He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of (K)Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, (L)to eat things sacrificed to idols, (M)and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, [d]which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and (N)will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden (O)manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone (P)a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’

The Corrupt Church

18 “And to the [e]angel of the church in Thyatira write,

‘These things says the Son of God, (Q)who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 (R)“I know your works, love, [f]service, faith, and your [g]patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have [h]a few things against you, because you allow [i]that woman (S)Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, [j]to teach and seduce My servants (T)to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time (U)to [k]repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of [l]their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who (V)searches[m] the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

24 “Now to you I say, [n]and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the (W)depths of Satan, as they say, (X)I [o]will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast (Y)what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps (Z)My works until the end, (AA)to him I will give power over the nations—

27 ‘He(AB) shall rule them with a rod of iron;
They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—

as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him (AC)the morning star.

29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

The Dead Church

“And to the [p]angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who (AD)has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before [q]God. (AE)Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and (AF)repent. (AG)Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you (AH)as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. [r]You have (AI)a few names [s]even in Sardis who have not (AJ)defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me (AK)in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes (AL)shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not (AM)blot out his name from the (AN)Book of Life; but (AO)I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

(AP)“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

Footnotes

  1. Revelation 2:8 Or messenger
  2. Revelation 2:9 congregation
  3. Revelation 2:12 Or messenger
  4. Revelation 2:15 NU, M likewise.
  5. Revelation 2:18 Or messenger
  6. Revelation 2:19 NU, M faith, service
  7. Revelation 2:19 perseverance
  8. Revelation 2:20 NU, M against you that you tolerate
  9. Revelation 2:20 M your wife Jezebel
  10. Revelation 2:20 NU, M and teaches and seduces
  11. Revelation 2:21 NU, M repent, and she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality.
  12. Revelation 2:22 NU, M her
  13. Revelation 2:23 examines
  14. Revelation 2:24 NU, M omit and
  15. Revelation 2:24 NU, M omit will
  16. Revelation 3:1 Or messenger
  17. Revelation 3:2 NU, M My God
  18. Revelation 3:4 NU, M Nevertheless you
  19. Revelation 3:4 NU, M omit even

More Proverbs of Solomon

25 These are more proverbs(A) of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:(B)

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
    to search out a matter is the glory of kings.(C)
As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
    so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

Remove the dross from the silver,
    and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,(D)
    and his throne will be established(E) through righteousness.(F)

Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
    and do not claim a place among his great men;
it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”(G)
    than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

What you have seen with your eyes
    do not bring[a] hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
    if your neighbor puts you to shame?(H)

If you take your neighbor to court,
    do not betray another’s confidence,
10 or the one who hears it may shame you
    and the charge against you will stand.

11 Like apples[b] of gold in settings of silver(I)
    is a ruling rightly given.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
    is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.(J)

13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
    is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
    he refreshes the spirit of his master.(K)
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
    is one who boasts of gifts never given.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:8 Or nobles / on whom you had set your eyes. / Do not go
  2. Proverbs 25:11 Or possibly apricots

25 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

Read full chapter

Further Wise Sayings of Solomon

25 These(A) also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:

(B)It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

(C)Take away the dross from silver,
And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne will be established in (D)righteousness.

Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of the great;
(E)For it is better that he say to you,
“Come up here,”
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.

(F)Do not go hastily to [a]court;
For what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor has put you to shame?
(G)Debate your case with your neighbor,
And do not disclose the secret to another;
10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
And [b]your reputation be ruined.

11 A word fitly (H)spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

13 (I)Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 (J)Whoever falsely boasts of giving
Is like (K)clouds and wind without rain.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:8 Lit. contend or bring a lawsuit
  2. Proverbs 25:10 the evil report concerning you not pass away